| Varsity | |
| Type: | Brand |
| Foundation: | c.1997 |
| Founder: | Wolverhampton & Dudley |
| Location: | 500 Capability Green, Luton |
| Area Served: | England and Wales |
| Industry: | Hospitality |
| Products: | 23 student themed pubs |
| Owner: | Stonegate Pub Company (2013–) Wolverhampton & Dudley (c.1997–2001) |
| Homepage: | Stonegate Pub Company |
Varsity was a student-focused pub chain operating in the United Kingdom. The name originates from annual university sports competitions. It entered administration in 2013.[1] Coventry is the only remaining pub bearing the name Varsity which is now operated by Stonegate Pub Company.[2]
The chain began in the mid-1990s. Its main competitor was Scream Pubs. Varsity was more sports-orientated than It's A Scream.
Varsity Wolverhampton – the first varsity bar in the chain – shut its doors in June 2012 after The University of Wolverhampton made a successful bid to the struggling Barracuda Group to purchase the building. It ceased trading in 2013.
Varsity was founded by Wolverhampton & Dudley.
The Barracuda Group was formed in July 2000 by PPM Ventures, a private equity company that became Silverfleet Capital.
In September 2001 Barracuda Group bought fifty pubs from Wolverhampton & Dudley for £37.25 million, which included the 22 pubs of the Varsity chain.[3]
In June 2005, the Barracuda Group was sold for £262 million to Charterhouse Capital Partners. In August 2006 there were 36 Varsity bars.[4]
In October 2012, Barracuda was renamed The Bramwell Pub Company.[5]
In October 2013, The Bramwell Pub Company went into administration. The Stonegate Pub Company bought 78 of the company's pubs including the Varsities in Lincoln and Coventry.[6]
It operated the V Card, one of the first loyalty cards, which allowed a cheaper price for some drinks, and allows better offers on some of the food deals.[7]